Psychological issues of females related to infertility

Abstract

Infertility is a deeply distressing condition that affects millions of women worldwide, often accompanied by profound psychological and emotional challenges. This review explores the psychological impact of infertility on women, including the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Studies show that up to 50% of women undergoing infertility treatments experience clinical levels of anxiety, and 25% meet the criteria for major depression. The social stigma, marital strain, and cultural pressures surrounding motherhood exacerbate these feelings, leaving women to grapple with guilt, inadequacy, and failure. The review also investigates the role of psychological stress as both a consequence and potential contributor to infertility, examining the concept of psychogenic infertility and its related factors. Moreover, the paper highlights the psychosomatic manifestations of stress, such as sleep disturbances and chronic pain, which further compound the condition. The integration of psychological therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), alongside medical treatments, is identified as crucial for addressing these psychological burdens. This holistic approach to infertility treatment can improve both psychological well-being and fertility outcomes.